Bombardier Locomotive Demonstrates Its Power and Completes Rail Logistics Chain

May 16, 2013Velim
Transportation,
Press Release

New BOMBARDIER TRAXX AC Last Mile locomotive hauls heavy trains weighing up to 2,000 tonnes during public event at test track, also in Last Mile operational mode

Rail technology leader Bombardier Transportation proved today that its TRAXX AC Last Mile locomotive is closing the logistics gap in the rail sector during a customer and press event in Velim, Czech Republic.

The Last Mile mode, a combination of diesel engine and support traction battery premiered by Bombardier, allows rail vehicles to overcome short distances without catenaries. At the test circuit in Velim, the TRAXX AC Last Mile locomotive showed that it can haul trains weighing up to 2,000 tonnes not only on electrified lines but also in Last Mile mode. The locomotive masters short distances on non-electrified lines without producing any emissions by using only its battery. This will enable rail companies to manage traffic into harbours, freight terminals and loading depots without additional trucks or shunting locomotives.

In Last Mile mode, the locomotive reaches a top speed of 40 km/h while hauling heavy trains and up to 60 km/h running alone. On electrified lines, it reaches up to 160 km/h. The transition from electric to diesel traction is performed dynamically, which means without stopping. The Last Mile function thereby enables operators to benefit from the huge environmental advantage of an electric locomotive running also on short non-electrified lines.

The TRAXX AC with Last Mile function is currently undergoing homologation. Launch customers are Railpool and Akiem. Railpool will lease three of these locomotives to the Swiss railway company, BLS Cargo.

“This new locomotive harmoniously combines economy and ecology, a big advantage for our customers in the global market,” said Janis Vitins, Director Marketing and Product Planning, Locomotives, Bombardier Transportation. “Around the world, we are facing challenges to people’s mobility and the environment due to urbanisation. Bombardier is at the forefront of developing precisely fitting technologies that improve total vehicle performance to move more people and regarding the TRAXX AC Last Mile especially more goods than ever before efficiently.”

Locomotives are the backbone of most freight and many passenger services around the world. In Europe, TRAXX locomotives are the most widely used, with more than 1,550 of them sold in just over a decade.

About Bombardier TransportationBombardier Transportation, a global leader in rail technology, offers the broadest portfolio in the rail industry and delivers innovative products and services that set new standards in sustainable mobility. BOMBARDIERECO4 technologies – built on the four cornerstones of energy, efficiency, economy and ecology – conserve energy, protect the environment and help to improve total train performance. Bombardier Transportation is headquartered in Berlin, Germany and has a very diverse customer base with products or services in more than 60 countries. It has an installed base of over 100,000 vehicles worldwide.

About BombardierBombardier is the world’s only manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere. Our vehicles, services and, most of all, our employees are what make us a global leader in transportation.

Bombardier is headquartered in Montréal, Canada. Our shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD) and we are listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America Indexes. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, we posted revenues of $16.8 billion. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.